The IOC on Monday voted to allow Olympic Games host cities to move competitions to other towns, cities or even countries, breaking with a long tradition of keeping the games contained in one location.
The decision fuels speculation regarding the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, with sources telling Reuters on Saturday talks were being held to move the sliding competitions to Nagano, site of the 1998 Winter Games.
IOC vice-president John Coates, presenting the recommendation to IOC members, said it was driven by the need for sustainability as the Olympic Games costs need to be contained.